THE Celtic boss was delighted as the Hoops grabbed three points in the Highlands with Tony Watt firing a sensational double.

NEIL LENNON watched Celtic romp to a 4-2 SPL victory in Inverness yesterday then breathed a sigh of relief after avoiding more injury agony.

With Beram Kayal, Joe Ledley and Anthony Stokes already ruled out for several weeks, Lennon had to do without skipper Scott Brown, Thomas Rogne, Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras in the Highlands.

The Parkhead boss hopes all four will be fit for the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Helsingborgs on Wednesday night as Celts chase a £15million jackpot.

But should any of them fail to make it, Lennon will take comfort from the performances of Tony Watt and Kelvin Wilson against Caley Thistle.

Teenage striker Watt stole the show with a double while Wilson was assured at the back beside Charlie Mulgrew.

It has given Lennon food for thought and he said: “Tony was sensational.

“I spoke to him before the game and told him to express himself. I wanted Tony to show off his assets and thankfully he did.

“He is a young talent and can become a very good player. Yet he is a hopeless trainer! But Tony gives us something different as he’s willing to go in behind and is an unselfish runner.

“I was delighted for him and he has given himself a chance for midweek.

“However, we have to remember he is still a rookie for such a massive game.

“I also thought young Filip Twardzik was exceptional in the middle of the park alongside Victor Wanyama. It was a good team display and we could have scored more.”

Lennon’s focus is now on Wednesday as he looks to seal a precious place in the lucrative Champions League group stage.

Celts hold a 2-0 lead from the first leg and Helsingborgs crashed to a 3-1 defeat on domestic duty against Djurgarden yesterday.

But Lennon is taking nothing for granted as he gears up for the biggest game of his managerial career.

He said: “The tie is still to be won. The expectation level has gone through the roof and everyone has us in the Champions League already.

“I don’t. We still have to play a really tough game. But I’ve had a good feeling from the players – they really are motivated. They are in a great position after the first leg.

“Helsingborgs proved they are good opposition but with our form at home I’d expect us to play strongly.”

Lennon savoured plenty of famous Champions League nights at Parkhead during his playing career.

And
the game that helped Martin O’Neill’s side get to the group stage for the first time acts as a timely reminder that things are far from over against the Swedes.

He said: “I recall us beating Ajax 3-1 in Amsterdam in 2001 then Ajax scored at our place and it made it fraught.

“The players would just have to adapt if that scenario arose. They have to focus their minds and get through the tie by playing controlled, disciplined football.

“We played well in the first leg but warning signs were there. We were too wide open for my liking, particularly in the first half.

“We came on strong at the end of the game and that gave me a lot to think about.

“The pace we had going forward
worried them and with a bit of luck we could have been three or four ahead. We created a lot of good chances, probably more than we’ve created away from home in quite a while.

“I’m still not convinced we are through but it would be a great shot in the arm for myself if we could accomplish this.

“To play in the group stage would be fantastic for the lads. They are young, they have the talent and it will be a great chance to enhance their careers and develop their game.”

Kayal will be a big loss for Lennon in midweek after picking up an ankle injury in the first leg.

The Israeli has Champions League experience from his days with Maccabi Haifa but Kayal last night admitted he faces at least a month out.

The 24-year-old said: “I won’t be able to make the first two World Cup qualifiers for Israel unfortunately.

“And I will be out for quite a few Celtic games too including the second leg of the Champions League clash.

“I was hoping the injury wasn’t too bad but it was worse than I first expected.”

Celts
managed fine without him in Inverness but Caley Thistle boss Terry Butcher claimed his side made it easy for the champions.

He said: “We conceded poor goals – it could have been more than four. It was a harsh experience but they’ll learn.”